Unmasking IP Crime: Insights from the Latest Trading Standards Survey

The UK Intellectual Property Office’s 2024–25 Trading Standards Survey highlights growing enforcement efforts, cross-sector collaboration, and a shift toward intelligence-led approaches in tackling IP crime across the UK.

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has released its latest Trading Standards Survey, detailing IP crime enforcement in the UK for 2024–2025.
This report draws on data from over 130 local authorities and provides valuable insights into the priorities, challenges, and achievements of Trading Standards Officers in combatting IP crime.

Key findings

The report utilises statistical data from Trading Standards officers across the country, providing a detailed view on the extent and characteristics of IP crime. The data indicates that IP crime is a persistent and evolving issue. The fashion and tobacco industries continue to be the most affected, with a notable increase in cases involving counterfeit vape products. High levels of illegal activity were also reported in the perfume, footwear, and jewellery sectors.

Counterfeit goods continue to be identified in physical premises, however unsurprisingly a significant proportion of IP crime also takes place online and on social media.

The report confirms that IP crime is rarely an isolated issue and is frequently associated criminal networks involved in a range of illicit activities, including money laundering, modern slavery, and drug trafficking. This underscores the complexity of enforcement efforts, and also the need to take action.

UK Enforcement Response

• Increased Enforcement Activity: Trading Standards teams have increased their operations, resulting in more raids, seizures, and prosecutions. They are also recovering illegal profits for public benefit, showing a strong commitment to IP crime prevention both nationally and locally.
• Collaborative Successes: The report showcases joint operations between Trading Standards officers, police forces, industry players, and private sector parties which have led to the dismantling of organised criminal networks and the removal of dangerous counterfeit goods from circulation.
• Intelligence-led enforcement: Trading Standards officers are shifting towards data and intelligence-led practices, with platforms like the IPO Intelligence Hub, which collaborates with partner agencies as well as other government departments, playing a central role in identifying and targeting criminal activity.

Comments

The annual Trading Standards Survey provides useful insights for IP rights holders, highlighting the evolving landscape of IP crime and, shifting enforcement priorities. It paints a vivid picture of the ongoing battle against counterfeiting and piracy, showcases the efforts, challenges, and successes in this critical area.

For those in industries most affected, this survey may reveal only the tip of the iceberg. The true extent of IP crime often goes unseen, and the impact on businesses can be profound. Not only do counterfeits potentially impact revenue by diverting sales, they can also cause wider reputational damage. There are practical measures businesses can take. Our top tips include:

1. Taking proactive steps when it comes supply chain transparency, product authentication and consumer education.
2. Using online monitoring tools to detect counterfeit listings online. Takedowns are usually quick and easy.
3. Getting your house in good order will smooth the way. Collaborative action with customs, Trading Standards and online platforms is essential but often relies on having trade mark registrations in place to ensure smooth enforcement, as well as having an AFA (Application for Action) in place when it comes to dealing with customs.
4. Being aware of your options. In addition to relying on public enforcement, rights holders may find cease and desist letters and, ultimately the threat of private prosecution a valuable tool in their arsenal. By leveraging both public resources and taking independent legal action, rights holders can more comprehensively address infringements, deter future violations, and protect their intellectual property.

If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this article please contact Emily Roberts, Chloe Perea Poole or another member of the IP team.